The Potential for Zoonosis during In-water Encounters Between Cetaceans and Humans
Jay C. Sweeney, VMD
Interest has been expressed regarding the potential for transmission of
zoonotic diseases between dolphins and man through the facilitation of inwater training
activities and those which involve water encounter oriented public display. In an attempt to
separate fact from presumption, a literature survey was conducted and a number of experienced
professionals were consulted. The result of the information search presented here details a
notable absence of reports of such transmission of disease, with a few exceptions where
occupational exposure was documented. The analysis summarized here would indicate that the
zoonotic transmission of disease in these transient encounters between cetaceans and humans
does not represent a significant concern to either party.